Bypass

/ˈbaɪ.pæs/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A road or path that goes around a place, usually to avoid congestion or obstacles.
The new bypass will reduce travel time through the city.
A method or way of avoiding something.
He found a bypass to get around the restrictions on his internet usage.
verb
To go around or avoid a place or an obstacle.
We took a different route to bypass the traffic jam.
To evade the usual process or rules.
The student decided to bypass the formal application process.

Etymology

From the combination of 'by' and 'pass', literally meaning to pass by.

Common Phrases and Expressions

bypass the rules
To intentionally avoid following the established rules.
bypass surgery
A medical procedure in which blood flows around a blocked artery.
bypass a question
To evade answering a question directly.

Related Words

detour
A longer route that avoids the main route.
circumvent
To find a way around an obstacle or rule.
alternative
One of multiple choices or possibilities.

Slang Meanings

To go around certain protocols or regulations.
They found a way to bypass the formalities and get the job done faster.
To cheat or find a loophole in a system.
He tried to bypass the software restrictions with a hack.